Photographer, author, commercial waterman advocate, and Chesapeake Bay storyteller Jay Fleming will headline an evening celebrating the Bay’s culture, conservation, cuisine, and community during the inaugural Tide and Table Talks at the Kent Island Yacht Club.

The event begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, with a welcome reception featuring complimentary champagne, followed by the unveiling of Fleming’s permanent photography exhibition, Fleming’s presentation, a book signing, and three inventive blue catfish dishes prepared tableside by local chefs Courtney Ester, Mike Baker, and Paul Shiley.

Open to the public with limited seating, the event also offers prospective members a chance to experience one of the Chesapeake’s premier waterfront clubs while showcasing its growing commitment to Bay-focused programming.

The evening will feature Fleming’s engaging presentation on the invasive blue catfish and its growing impact on the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem, commercial fishing industry, seafood economy, and the people working to restore balance to the watershed.

Drawing from firsthand experience as both a photographer and a fisherman, Fleming explores how the invasive species is reshaping the Bay and the efforts underway to turn an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity.

Far from simply highlighting the problem, the evening demonstrates how commercial watermen, conservationists, and chefs are working together to transform blue catfish from an invasive threat into one of the Chesapeake’s most promising sources of sustainable seafood.

Following the presentation, Chef Paul Shiley, well-known for his culinary leadership at The Narrows, The Tidewater Inn, Noxie’s Table, and other celebrated Chesapeake restaurants, will showcase the versatility of blue catfish through three innovative preparations, paired with complimentary side dishes and curated wine suggestions.

The dinner underscores how regional chefs are helping transform an invasive species into an emerging sustainable seafood.

The event will also unveil a permanent exhibition of Fleming’s framed photography recently installed throughout the Kent Island Yacht Club. Fleming will be available following the program to sign books and meet attendees.

As an added membership incentive, new members who join the Kent Island Yacht Club during the event will receive a complimentary signed hardcover copy of Fleming’s acclaimed book, On the Water.

“This is exactly the kind of experience we envision for our new Tide and Table Talks series,” said Chuck Bell, Kent Island Yacht Club Fleet Captain. “We want to bring people together around meaningful conversations, exceptional food, and the culture of the Chesapeake while introducing new guests to everything the club has to offer.”

Limited tickets are $50 per person, with advance online purchase at bit.ly/kiyc-fleming.

For more information about the event, contact kiyc@kiyc.org or call 410-643-4101. For more information about membership opportunities, contact kiycmembers@gmail.com. Photo courtesy Jay Fleming.